Nepal in a 7-Day Trip

A great expanse of Nepal occupies the majestic mountains of the Himalayas which makes it a place to be for the adventure seekers. The country’s diverse terrain offers infinite options of medium to challenging trail routes for trekkers. Not only that. It is also the home of the world’s highest mountain, the Mount Everest, including 7 others in the list of the top 10 highest peaks. Thus, Nepal is the ultimate destination for mountaineers and intrepid travelers.

Yet, Nepal is not only about climbing mountains though the most fantastic sceneries could be viewed after a long, strenuous hike. It is also the land of pagodas and stupas, a testimony of the people’s intertwined belief on Hinduism and Buddhism. Also, the durbar squares and the monuments in Kathmandu Valley belonging to different kingdoms demonstrates the beautifully preserved cultural heritage of the country even after it was seriously damaged by an earthquake in 2015. In addition to this, is the vast Chitwan National Park, lying on the foothills of the Himalayas, where endangered animals freely roam in a huge jungle with wide range of vegetation.

MY NEPAL TRIP

My adventurous soul hooked up with my emotional affection with nature has brought my feet to the Himalayan country of Nepal. There is something in the mountains and the wilderness that makes my inner self yearns for it. I got mesmerized with the view of the Alps in Switzerland and Caucasus in Georgia; this time I decided to be fascinated with the mountain ranges of the Himalayas.

It was August when we packed our bags and headed to a 7-day trip in Nepal. This is the time of the year when monsoon rain is at peak leaving me skeptic about pulling off my plans. Yet, I consulted the Nepal Adventure Team regarding my trip and guaranteed that it would be delightful despite the chances of rain. They have tailored our itinerary for our full stay in the country considering all my limitations. Definitely 7 days is not enough to explore everything in the country or even complete a hiking track towards the base camp of Mount Everest or Annapurna Circuit. But it would be enough to visit significant attractions and have your own perspective of the place or perhaps a rough idea on how to plan your next visit.

I love sightseeing and scenic trips but I am not into long and steep hiking trails. But with this 7-day journey, I believe I was able to go beyond my limits.

DAY 1 – ARRIVAL

Darkness starts to cover the horizon when the plane landed Tribhuvan International Airport. Luckily, it was an off-season for tourists so no long queues for visa-on-arrival transactions and visa stamps. Also, we got no checked-in baggage which made our speedy way out of the airport possible. As soon as I came out, my eyes briefly scanned the names flashing on card boards on the arrival area. Unfortunately, I haven’t seen my name in any of those. I went through one board to the other thinking my eyes have just missed it, and even reached the departure area, but I saw nothing. As I was about to check for the contact number of my tour operator to call for that arranged pick-up from the airport, our transportation has finally arrived. We were welcomed with warm greetings and marigold garlands though my excitement was already overthrown with the feeling of relief after that long wait.

Our ride towards Apsara Boutique Hotel in Thamel area was short without the build-up of cars expected of a drizzly night. After passing through that narrow, uneven road bordered with shops that started to close, we finally reached the hotel. It was lovely especially its location, aside from its proximity to the airport, it is also adjacent to the shops and attractions at the same time hidden from the bustling and crowded streets. The cozy hotel room combined with a relaxing view from the balcony made our stay a fabulous one.

We wrapped up the night with an appetizing welcome dinner with our tour operator giving us some briefing for the entire duration of our trip. See Day 2-Chitwan National Park